It’s February, Go Red! It’s The Heart of the Matter
Join me on February 7, 2014, as our nation celebrates National Wear Red Day to raise awareness in the fight against heart disease in women. My first health awareness post focused on women’s heart health. Because of the staggering statistics that affect women, it is worth revisiting the importance of taking charge of your heart to be reminded that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Let’s get to the heart of the matter with women’s heart disease.
About Go Red
In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. Many even dismissed it as an older man’s disease. To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red for Women, a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their health.
What is the goal of Go Red For Women?
Go Red for Women encourages awareness of heart disease and women and promotes action to save more lives. The movement harnesses women’s energy, passion, and power to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. The Go Red campaign challenges women to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their risk. It also gives us the tools we need to lead a heart-healthy life.
Why is the red dress the symbol of women and heart disease?
In 2003, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the AHA, and other organizations committed to women’s health joined to raise awareness of women and heart disease. The NHLBI introduced the red dress as a national symbol for women and heart disease awareness. The AHA adopted this symbol to create synergy among all organizations fighting the disease.
Why do Go Red For Women and other red dress campaigns target women instead of men?
In the past, heart disease and heart attack have been predominantly associated with men. Historically, men have been the subjects of the research done to understand heart disease and stroke, which have been the basis for treatment guidelines and programs.
Because women have been largely ignored as a specific group, our awareness of the risks of often preventable diseases has suffered. Only 55 percent of women realize heart disease is our No. 1 killer, and less than half know what are considered high levels of cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol. The Go Red For Women movement makes sure women know we are at risk so we can take action to protect our health.
Go Red Women Should:
- Follows an exercise routine
- Eats Healthy Diet
- She visits her doctor for necessary tests
- Influences others by talking about heart health
Are you a Go Red For Women? Will you commit to the four key points to do to stay heart healthy?